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 The
nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is an odd-looking
mammal covered with armored plates, and is about the size of a cat.
Armadillos are not native to Florida, but are now common over most of
the state. Armadillos like forested or semi-open habitats with loose
textured soil that allows them to dig easily. They dig burrows for
homes or to escape predators. They eat many insects, or other invertebrates,
and some plants. They most often feed at night, and have very poor
eyesight.
Armadillos prolific rooting and burrowing can severely damage lawns and
flower-beds. To reduce armadillo damage to your lawn keep
watering and fertilization to a minimum. Moist soil and lush vegetation
bring earth worms and insect larvae (armadillo candy!) to the surface
of the soil. Armadillos can sometimes be enticed to move by watering
areas adjacent to the damage site. Armadillos can also be excluded
from small areas of extensive damage with fencing at least 2 feet high
and with bottom buried at least 18 inches deep.
It is lawful for a landowner to live-trap or humanely destroy nuisance
armadillos although they are difficult to capture with live traps. Armadillos
are not considered native to Florida and are, therefore, illegal to transport
and release. Relocating wildlife is seldom biologically sound, the
animal often does not survive.
You can receive technical assistance for armadillo problems by contacting
your nearest FWC regional office.
More information
Texas
wildlife fact sheet on armadillos
Mammals of Texas
life history info
private site with
armadillo information
Wildlife Resources Handbook
life history fact page
University of
Nebraska Cooperative Extension (.pdf)
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